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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Recorded presentation

Martha Decker, DrPH and Marjorie J. Robertson, PhD. Alcohol Research Group, Public Health Institute, 2000 Hearst Ave., Suite 300, Berkeley, CA 94709, 510 642 0546, robertsonmarjorie@yahoo.com

This paper examines how perceived safety and quality of the living environment may be related to mental health status and other outcomes among formerly homeless adults. A representative sample of 222 adults was recruited from among tenants in eight supportive-housing sites in Alameda County, California. Housing sites ranged from a small house with 12 tenants to large single room occupancy (SRO) hotels with 70-142 tenants Case management and a mix of health and social services were provided at each site by interdisciplinary treatment teams. Client data were collected during personal interviews with 222 tenants at baseline and after 6 and 12 months. Survey data included health and mental health status, substance use, service use, quality of life, and perceptions of staff, services, and facilities. Client-level data were also collected from standard program records on client participation in specific program services and activities. Many respondents reported concerns about safety and the lack of maintenance in their respective buildings, especially among women and among tenants with comorbid mental health and substance use problems. In multivariate analysis, perceived building safety was associated with positive outcomes including reductions in mental health symptoms, substance use and housing instability. Generally, preliminary findings suggest that a safe environment may be a important factor for engagement of tenants in available services in supportive-housing sites. In turn, increased engagement and utilization may contribute to improved client outcomes. These themes will be explored more fully in an expanded analysis.

Learning Objectives: By the end of the session, participants will be able to

• describe the heterogeneity of tenants in a supportive housing program;
• describe how tenant perceptions about safety of their living environment may be related to treatment outcomes;
• recognize variations in perceived safety that may require tailored interventions (e.g., for women or persons with co-occurring mental health and substance use problems).

Keywords: Mental Health Services, Urban Health Services Barriers

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No

Recorded presentation